An online Real Estate Master’s degree program can be a very lucrative investment in your future. While the housing market may fluctuate up and down, real estate agents do much more than just sell homes. They also work with property owners and renters as well. They can act as consultants when home builders are looking for research data and the market in a specific area. Real estate agents who work in a specific area can offer sound guidance, especially to commercial builders who often come in after a housing addition has been built.
The first step in choosing the best online Real Estate Master’s programs is to find one that will allow you to reach your specific career goals. You should be able to choose the electives you want so that you have the skills you need to be able to provide the types of services you want to offer. When looking at online real estate degree programs, look for the ones that will provide you with the best information as well as multiple options when it comes to defining your career.
How We Ranked the Best Master’s in Real Estate
The Best Master’s Programs ranking of the best real estate master’s degrees features only accredited, reputable colleges and universities. BMP’s editors understand that working professionals and career-changing adults need a degree that will pay off. That’s why BMP rankings are based on true statistics, including tuition rate, salary potential, and reputation, using data from IPEDS and Niche.
1. Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech’s Scheller Business College offers a Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) program with an academic emphasis in Real Estate that is recognized among Georgia’s best online real estate masters degree programs. Students enrolled in Georgia Tech’s best online masters in real estate degree program complete coursework in financial aspects of commercial real estate and fundamentals of real estate development, plus a real estate internship, to name a few. Degree graduates find rewarding careers in consulting, facilities management, finance, or land-use planning, among others.
Founded as a technology school in 1885, Georgia Tech is a space-grant school that is a member of the state’s university system. The school’s campuses in Atlanta, Savannah, Chia, Ireland, France, and China serve approximately 36,350 students. The Georgia Institute of Technology was developed after the civil war to help improve the south’s industrial economy.
Degree: MBA Real Estate
2. University of Pennsylvania
The Wharton Business School, within the University of Pennsylvania, offers a Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) program with an academic concentration in Real Estate that is considered among the nation’s best online masters in real estate degree programs. Penn-Wharton’s best online real estate masters degree program includes coursework that addresses the policy-making components of real estate law, international real estate development, housing markets, real estate investing, advanced real estate analysis, government policy upon private industries, and economics and urban fiscal decisions, to name a few.
Established as one of the oldest schools in the nation, the University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1755, while the Wharton School of Business – the first in the world – began in 1881. This private institution of higher education serves approximately 22,350 students across its multiple campuses. Benjamin Franklin is recognized among the largest benefactors of the University of Pennsylvania.
Degree: MBA Real Estate
3. Georgetown University
Georgetown University’s Continuing Studies School offers two of the best online masters in real estate degree programs in the nation with its Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) program with an emphasis in Real Estate or its Master of Professional Studies in (MPS) Real Estate. These best online real estate masters degree programs from Georgetown University can be completed as a full or part-time student, with part-time students finishing the degree in about 24 months. Classes for these real estate degrees include ethics in action, real estate fundamentals, real estate law, finance, and real estate markets, to name a few.
Affiliated with the Jesuit, Roman Catholic Church, Georgetown University was established in 1789. Georgetown University’s campus sits atop a hill that overlooks the Potomac River and serves approximately 18,870 students. Georgetown University’s men’s basketball program has won seven championships in the Big East Division – a record-tying feat.
Degree: Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate OR MBA
4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The Kenan-Flagler School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a Master of Business Administration degree program(MBA) that has an academic concentration in Real Estate that is ranked among North Carolina’s best online real estate masters degree programs. UNC’s best online masters in real estate degree program includes coursework in finance real estate law, construction, cases in real estate, and international real estate investment, to name a few.
The University of North Carolina is a multiple campus higher learning institution that was established in 1789. The university system operates seventeen campuses, with the main campus in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, as the flagship campus, serves approximately 30,040 students. The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill is recognized as the oldest school in the state of North Carolina.
Degree: MBA Real Estate
5. Columbia University
The Milstein Center for Real Estate at Columbia University offers a Master of Business Administration degree program (MBA) with an academic concentration in Real Estate that is considered among New York’s best online real estate masters degree programs. Students enrolled in Columbia University’s best online masters in real estate degree program have an opportunity to study real estate case studies that have been developed since the early 1990s.
Founded in 1754 as King’s College, Columbia University is an ivy league university located in upper Manhattan. As one of the globe’s top institutions of higher education and a space-grant school, Columbia University serves approximately 33,350 students. Columbia University was established by King George II as the result of the establishment of nearby Princeton College, but now runs the earth observatory – Biosphere 2 in Arizona.
Degree: MBA Real Estate
6. UCLA
Anderson Management School, within the University of California, Los Angeles, offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program with an emphasis in Real Estate that is ranked among the country’s best online real estate masters degree programs. Students graduating from UC Berkeley’s best online masters in real estate degree program have found rewarding careers working for Acore Capital and Shea Properties, to name a few. The coursework and elective classes for this graduate degree in real estate include price policies, fixed income markets, business law, real estate law/taxation, and environmental law, to name a few.
Founded as a land-grant school, the Berkeley campus at the University of California was the first school founded under the Morrill Land Grant College Act in 1868. UCLA’s campus is home to approximately 43,050 students. The Golden Bears represent UCLA in the PAC-12 conference and have won more than 200 Olympic medals.
Degree: MBA Real Estate
7. University of Virginia
The Darden Business School within the University of Virginia offers one of the best online real estate master’s degree programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia with its Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) program with a concentration in Real Estate. Students enrolled in the University of Virginia’s best online masters in real estate degree program complete classes in the development of dynamics and the introduction to real estate finance & development, to name a few.
The University of Virginia was established by Thomas Jefferson in 1819. UVA’s campus in Charlottesville is home to approximately 25,020 students and an administrative staff that exceeds 6,000. UVA manages a number of other smaller schools, like the College at Wise situated in Southwestern Virginia. The business school is named to honor Governor Colgate Darden, Jr.
Degree: Real Estate MBA
8. University of California, Berkeley
The Haas Business School at the University of California, Berkeley offers one of the Golden State’s best online master’s in real estate degree programs with its Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program with an academic concentration in Real Estate. UC Berkeley’s best online real estate masters degree program includes coursework in real estate development, housing and an urban economy, investment analysis, and real estate finance & securitization, plus a real estate practicum, to name a few.
Founded as a research institution of higher education in 1868, the Berkeley campus at the University of California (UC Berkeley) actually began in nearby Oakland. UC Berkeley is a member school of the state’s university system. The University of California is recognized as a founding member of the AAU – the Association of American Universities.
Degree: MBA Real Estate
9. University of Texas at Austin
The McCombs Business School within the University of Texas offers two of the Lone Star State’s best online master’s in real estate degree program with its Master of Business Administration degree program (MBA – RE Finance) with a concentration in Real Estate Finance and its MBA with an academic emphasis in real estate. These best online real estate masters degree programs are designed for those who wish to pursue careers in real estate finance or real estate investments/development. Degree candidates participate in student-managed equity funds, like REITs. The MBA degrees from UT Austin/McCombs is available for working professionals, full-time students, or part-time.
The Austin campus of the University of Texas (Texas) was founded in 1881. As a space-grant and flagship school within the state’s university system, with a student enrollment of 51,020 students, among the top ten of student enrollments of all schools in the nation. UT Austin’s athletes have won more than 140 Olympic medals.
Degree: MBA Real Estate
10. University of Wisconsin – Madison
The University of Wisconsin’s Business School offers a Master of Business Administration degree program (MBA) with an academic specialization track in Applied Real Estate Investment that is considered among Wisconsin’s best online masters in real estate degree programs. Classes for UW Madison’s best online real estate masters degree program include financial accounting, real estate capital markets, real estate law, ethics, society & integrity, urban economics, and contemporary topics in international real estate, among others.
Established as the result of the Morrill Act, the University of Wisconsin – Madison was founded in 1848 as a land-grant higher learning institution. UW Madison is a sea-grant school with a student enrollment that is approximately 44,250 students. The school’s campus is situated on Lake Mendota’s shores and includes four registered landmarks, plus an arboretum covering more than one-thousand acres just a few miles from the university’s main campus.
Degree: MBA Real Estate
11. Rice University
Rice University’s Jones Graduate Business School offers one of the best online master’s in real estate degree programs with its Master of Business Administration degree program (MBA) with a concentration in Real Estate, as ranked by Poets and Quants. Classes for Rice University’s best online real estate masters degree program includes contract negotiations, an introduction to the real estate industry, asset valuation, disruption in commercial real estate, real estate property, and real estate finance & securities, plus a real estate development lab, to name a few.
Founded as a research higher learning institution, Rice University was established in 1912 and is now a space-grant school. The university’s campus in Houston (and online) is home to approximately 7,150 students. Rice University’s endowment was founded upon the death of the wealthy businessman William Rice, at the request as noted in his will.
Degree: MBA Real Estate
12. Northwestern University
The Kellogg Business School, in conjunction with the Guthrie Real Estate Center at Northwestern University, offers one of Illinois’ best online masters in real estate degree programs with its nationally-recognized Master of Business Administration degree program (MBA) with a concentration in Real Estate. This best online real estate masters degree program begins with foundational courses in finance and real estate investments and then opens up the electives for students to select based on their career objectives. These additional electives include real estate technology, international real estate, legal issues in real estate and urban economics, to name a few.
Founded prior to Illinois reaching statehood, Northwestern University was established in 1851. The university maintains several campuses in the greater Chicago area that serves approximately 8,250 students. Northwestern University holds the distinction of having one of the largest of all university endowments across the nation.
Degree: MBA Real Estate
13. Cornell University
Cornell University’s Johnson Business College/Baker Real Estate Program offers one of the best online masters in real estate degree programs that offers a dual Degree. This best online real estate masters degree program from Cornell University awards a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree in Real Estate or its MBA program with an academic emphasis in Real Estate. Both of these real estate degrees can be earned from this preeminent university in only three years and provides a comprehensive background in both management, business, and real estate.
Cornell University was established in 1865 under the Morrill Act. As a multiple campus, statutory ivy league school (that is also considered privately run), Cornell University offers certain programs through SUNY, the state’s university system. Cornell operates campuses in upstate New York, in New York City, and internationally in Doha, Qatar.
Degree: MBA Real Estate
14. Rutgers University
The School of Business at Rutgers University offers a Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) program with an academic concentration in Real Estate that can be completed as a full-time or part-time student. Rutgers University’s best online real estate masters degree program requires 18 of the 30 required credits to be from the real estate concentration’s curriculum. Classes for Rutgers University’s best online masters in real estate degree program includes aggregate economic analysis, real estate sale, real estate finance, capital markets and market valuation/analysis, and property management in real estate investing, to name a few.
Founded as Queen’s College in 1766, Rutgers University is a multiple campus institution of higher education that serves approximately 68,650 students across all campuses. In addition to being a space-grant, sea-grant, and land-grant school, Rutgers University is the flagship school for the Garden State.
Degree: MBA Real Estate
15. University at Buffalo
The Architecture & Planning School at the University at Buffalo offers a Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) with a concentration in Real Estate Development with a collaborative and professional degree offered with its Master of Science degree (MS) program in Real Estate Development (MSRED) – one of New York’s best online real estate masters degree programs. These University of Buffalo’s best online masters in real estate degree programs have received designation from the Commercial Real Estate Global Standard for Professional Achievement – the CCIM. Classes for this combination degree include construction management, financing development, structuring deals, and design for development, to name a few.
The University at Buffalo (SUNY UB) is a member school of the state of New York’s university system. Founded in 1846 as a public institution of higher education, the University of Buffalo is also a sea-grant and space-grant school that serves approximately 32,250 students. Former President Millard Fillmore was the founder of the University of Buffalo.
Degree: MS Real Estate Development/MBA
16. University of Illinois at Chicago
The Liautaud Graduate Business School within the University of Illinois at Chicago offers a 54-credit Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) program with a concentration in Real Estate that is nationally recognized by US News among the nation’s best online real estate masters degree programs. UIC’s best online masters in real estate degree program are both flexible and accelerated (finish in only 1.5 years) or offered on a part-time basis. Classes for this graduate degree in real estate offered by the University of Illinois in Chicago include web analytics, leadership & improvisation, urban economics, finance, investments, and social entrepreneurs that are leading change, to name a few.
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) operates two campuses in the greater metropolitan Chicago area that serves approximately 33,150 students. UIC is recognized as a Hispanic and Asian-service public higher learning institution.
Degree: MBA Real Estate
17. Florida State University
Florida State University’s Business College offers two of the best online real estate masters degree programs with its Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) with a specialization in Real Estate or its Master of Science (MS) degree program in Finance (MSF) with an academic emphasis in Real Estate. The best online masters in real estate degree programs from Florida State University are offered in an accelerated, part-time, full-time, and executive format. Classes for this degree that specializes in real estate includes real estate investment, financing scenarios, and advanced real estate finance & investment strategies, to name a few. The MBA program requires the completion of 39 credit units, whereas the MS in real estate requires the completion of 32 credit units.
Established in 1851 as a public school, Florida State University is also a sea-grant and space-grant higher learning institution that serves approximately 41,450 students from the state’s capital and online. FSU is ranked among the top twenty best public schools in the nation by US News.
Degree: MBA with Real Estate Specialization (MBA)
MS in Finance with a specialization in Real Estate (MSF)
18. University of Colorado Boulder
The Leeds Business School at the University of Colorado Boulder offers a Master of Business Administration degree program (MBA Real Estate) with a concentration in Real Estate that is recognized among the best online real estate masters degree programs in the marketplace. UC Boulder’s best online masters in real estate degree program includes relevant coursework in real estate principles, economics, law, and investment. Degree candidates can opt for a further focus in finance, entrepreneurship, or development and management. Leeds Business School has been recognized by Forbes Magazine among the top full-time MBA providers.
The Boulder campus of the University of Colorado was established in 1876 as a public school prior to the Colorado territory reaching statehood. CU Boulder is now a comprehensive research university with a student enrollment that is approximately 35,450 students. The University of Colorado’s campus took part as one of the schools in the V12 navy training program during World War II.
Degree: MBA Real Estate
19. Florida International University
The Chapman Graduate Business School at Florida International University offers an MS in International Real Estate (MSIRE) that is among the state’s best online real estate masters degree programs. Students enrolled in this graduate degree from FIU can up to begin a 12 month cohort in the Spring or a ten-month cohort in the fall session. Classes for those enrolled in FIU’s best online masters in real estate degree program include real estate investments & valuation, real estate development, real estate law, finance, and market analysis, to name a few.
Founded in 1965 as a research university, Florida International University’s campus now serves approximately 58,650 students. The 550+ acre campus in South Florida was once an abandoned airport, with the control tower acting as the first academic building.
Degree: MS in International Real Estate
20. Auburn University
The Harbert Business College within Auburn University offers a Master’s degree in Real Estate Development (MRED) that is recognized as one of Alabama’s best online real estate masters degree programs. Students enrolled in Auburn University’s best online masters in real estate degree program enter the program in a cohort and follow each other through five semesters of studies. Auburn University’s graduate degree in real estate development has a residency requirement and offers students an international study opportunity plus three domestic real estate development projects upon which to work.
Auburn University was founded in 1856 as an all-male college. The university is a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant institution of higher education that serves approximately 30,250 students online and on its college-town campus. Auburn University holds the distinction of being the second largest of all higher learning institutions in the state of Alabama.
Degree: Real Estate Development (MRED)
21. Tulane University
Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business offers one of the best online real estate master’s degree combination programs with its Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) program with a specialization in Sustainable Real Estate Development and its Master of Sustainable Real Estate Development. This best online masters in real estate degree program from Tulane University allows students to complete two degrees in the time it typically takes to complete just one MBA degree. This MBA/MSRED program is only available to full-time students over a two-year time frame. Students complete 39 credit units in classes that include contract negotiations, site planning and infrastructure development, and real estate capital markets, plus a relevant real estate development field study.
Tulane University was founded as a medical school in 1834. In addition, this New Orleans-based school is home to approximately 13,950 students. Tulane University holds the distinction of being among the ten oldest schools in the Association of American Universities.
Degree: MBA/Master of Sustainable Real Estate Development
22. NYU
The Stern Business School at New York University offers a Master of Business Administration degree program (MBA) with a specialization in Real Estate that is considered among the nation’s best online real estate masters degree programs. Students enrolled in New York University’s best online masters in real estate degree program take classes in construction cost estimating, and use/environmental regulation, urban systems, investment strategy, finance, hotel development, and capital markets, to name a few.
New York University (NYU) is a research university located in the heart of Manhattan, with campuses located throughout the globe. Founded in 1831, NYU’s student enrollment is now approximately 51,750 students across its many facilities and distance learning platform. The American Chemical Society was founded by faculty members and alumni of New York University.
Degree: MBA Real Estate
23. University of Arizona
The University of Arizona’s Architecture, Planning & Landscape College offers a Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) that offers students a focused approach to responsible real estate development that uses sustainable practices. UA’s best online masters in real estate degree program offers coursework in the areas of green building and sustainable cities, among others. Classes for this best online real estate masters degree program include an introduction to real estate finance, land development, due diligence & entitlements, advanced real estate finance technology, and foundations of economics for real estate planning, among others.
Established as the first institution of higher learning in the Arizona Territory, the University of Arizona is now home to approximately 45,850 students vying for academic degrees offered by the university’s nineteen colleges/schools. The University of Arizona is ranked among the top fifty public schools in the US and the world.
Degree: Real Estate Development (MRED)
24. Syracuse University
The Whiteman Management School at Syracuse University offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program with an academic concentration in the area of Real Estate that is ranked as one of the Empire State’s best online real estate masters degree programs. Coursework for this best online master’s in real estate degree program includes real estate principles, finance & investment, real estate capital markets, real estate development, business analytics, management information systems, and case studies in real estate finance/investment, to name a few.
Syracuse University operates as a nonsectarian higher learning institution, although still affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Established in 1870, Syracuse University is home to approximately 22,750 students attending classes in upstate New York and online. Syracuse University’s roots can be traced back to Genesee College – with alumni that include the influencers of the Seneca Falls’ women’s movement.
Degree: MBA Real Estate
25. University of Miami
The Herbert School of Business at the University of Miami offers a Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) program with an academic concentration in Real Estate that is considered as one of the Sunshine State’s best online real estate masters degree programs. U of M’s best online masters in real estate degree program requires degree candidates to complete 39 credit units to graduate. Coursework for this MBA in real estate degree program includes real estate law, digital transformation, topics in finance, strategic marketing, and introduction to real estate development & urbanism, to name a few.
Founded as a research school in 1925, the University of Miami is a comprehensive institution of higher education that is considered a top-10 employer in the greater Miami area. The school is organized into twelve colleges/schools that serve approximately 17,650 students. The University of Miami’s library includes what is deemed exceptional holding of Cuban heritage.
Degree: MBA Real Estate
Why Should I Get My Master’s in Real Estate Online?
Real estate agents who have earned a Bachelor’s degree and passed their real estate licensing test, may want to go to the next level and advance their career. The best way to do that is to earn an online Real Estate Master’s degree. Earning their degree online means they don’t have to give up working. They can continue to help home buyers and sellers get the most out of their transactions. An agent can stud when it fits into their schedule without having to worry about whether or not they will be missing a sale.
Another benefit of earning a Real Estate Master’s online is that the student can study from anywhere, even if their college or university is a thousand miles away or more. In the past, if a student wanted to attend their favorite college or university, they would have to uproot their family and move to be near the school. With online learning, that is no longer necessary. Students can apply online and take all of their courses through an online learning management system.
How Do I Choose an Online Real Estate Master’s Program?
Many of the best online Real Estate Master’s programs offer specific concentrations that will allow you to specialize in one particular area of real estate or real estate development. These specializations will offer you the opportunity to delve deeper into one specific area and will oftentimes provide you with the information you need to become certified or licensed in that specialty. Obtaining a license or certificate will allow you to increase your earning potential as well as move up in the ranks. This may also give you an opportunity to choose the types of property you deal with on a regular basis.
Choosing the best online Real Estate Master’s programs will require research. You will need to know your goals when it comes to earnings and how much time you want to devote to your career. Once you have that set in stone, you need to start looking for schools that will allow you to reach those goals while at the same time giving you everything you need to explore other options that will benefit you in the future. Doing your research will allow you to find exactly what you are looking for when it comes to both knowledge and abilities.
How Much Can I Make With a Master’s in Real Estate?
With a Real Estate Master’s degree students may have the option to become a real estate analyst. As a development analyst, the pay can range between $70,000 and $90,000 depending on location, experience, and the size of the companies an agent is working with. In some cases, $15,000 or more may be added to the final payment if the deal goes smoothly and falls between specific deadlines. A developer must know both sides of the market and be able to offer sound advice when it comes to relaying a property’s full potential.
If a student plans on working in the housing market, having the ability to prepare properties, as well as guide buyers to homes that they can afford, is essential. A reputable agent must be able to help their clients both buy and sell properties. Many times a deal will not go through if one party cannot sell their home. It’s important to be proficient in both sides of the business. Matching potential buyers to the right properties is a talent that when properly fostered will offer excellent dividends.
Having the education as well as the right level of skill can make for a very lucrative real estate career. Depending on the graduate’s location, earning six figures can be easily accomplished if they have the right clients. Catering to businesses is the best way to reach that level of sales.
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